The Albanian Football Association’s disciplinary committee suspended Vllaznia president Alban Xhaferi for 15 matches and barred him from entering stadiums during the suspension after he assaulted an assistant referee following his team’s match against Elbasani in the domestic league last week.
Assault near dressing rooms
The incident took place near the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms after the final whistle, when Xhaferi approached the officiating team and punched the assistant referee in the face. Security personnel and others intervened to separate them and remove the club president.
The Albanian Referees’ Association condemned the incident in a statement and referred the case to the Football Association’s disciplinary committee.
Two goals disallowed as tensions rise
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after Edon Murataj opened the scoring for Vllaznia before Rubin Hebaj equalised for Elbasani in the 75th minute.
Tensions escalated in stoppage time after VAR disallowed two Vllaznia goals for offside, angering the club’s management and prompting pressure on and off the pitch before the assault took place.
Additional sanctions
The committee also fined Elbasani, the home club, for organisational shortcomings and security breaches after the final whistle, without specifying the amount of the fine.
